In this post, we will be talking about the best shampoos for ichthyosis vulgaris.

We have chosen these shampoos based on how often it was used, tested, and recommended by people.

These shampoos are strong so it’s better to use them once or twice a week. You can use baby shampoos every day or on alternative days (depending on the severity of your scalp).

Note: we would recommend moisturizing the scalp with glycerin after showering to avoid dryness.

This is the most recommended shampoo by people with ichthyosis vulgaris because it contains 3% of salicylic acid and helps to fight dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Pros:

• This shampoo is designed to clear crusty scalp build-up while relieving itching and flaking associated with severe scalp conditions, like dandruff and psoriasis.

• It contains 3% of salicylic acid which is very powerful and effective.

• This product is free of added color, preservatives, and fragrance.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active ingredient: Salicylic Acid 3%.

Inactive ingredients: Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Polyquaternium-22, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate.

This is another highly recommended shampoo for ichthyosis vulgaris. It contains 1% of Ketoconazole which is another ingredient that can control flaking, scaling, and itching from dandruff.

Pros:

• It is clinically proven to control flaking, scaling, and itching from dandruff.

• It controls fungus that can cause dandruff.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active Ingredients: Ketoconazole 1%.

Inactive Ingredients: Benzyl Alcohol, BHT, Blue 1, Citric Acid, Cocamide MEA, Fragrance, Glycol Distearate, Hydrochloric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Water.

This is another popular shampoo just like the T-gel and Selsun blue people have recommended for dandruff and ichthyosis vulgaris.

Pros:

• It contains 1% of Selenium Sulfide that prevents, relieves, and eliminates dandruff symptoms and itchy scalp.

• It also contains a cooling menthol to provide a soothing and invigorating sensation to your scalp.

• It is pH balanced.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, TEA Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Fragrance, Menthol, Cocamide MEA, DMDM Hydantoin, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Blue 1, Red 33.

This is a shampoo oil that is moisturizing, soothing and reduces the formation of dandruff. For a delicate and physiological daily cleansing of brittle and thin hair. For those who do not tolerate common foaming shampoos with surfactant bases.

Pros:

• It contains Lipoamino acids that perform a sebum-balancing action, reducing irritation of the scalp and reducing the formation of dandruff

• It contains urea and collagen that moisturizes the scalp during cleansing preventing flaking.

• It has a pH of 5.5.

• It also contains Piroctone Olamine which helps restore the skin’s natural microbial balance and Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract which soothes the skin.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Lipoamino acids (Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids), Urea, Dipalmitoil Hydroxyproline (Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline), Collagen (Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Collagen), Piroctone Olamine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract.

This is a shampoo containing Sulfur and Salicylic Acid to treat scalp dermatitis and mild psoriasis to eliminate dandruff, flakes, and itchiness.

It is also infused with Olive, Jojoba, and Rosemary Oils that moisturize the hair.

Pros:

• It contains Sulfur 2.4% and Salicylic Acid 2.2% which can help to combat flakiness, itching, and dandruff.

• It is free from parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, and sulfates.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active Ingredients: Sulfur 2.4 % (Controls Dandruff) and Salicylic Acid 2.2 % (Controls Seborrheic Dermatitis).

Inactive Ingredients: Water, Potassium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cetyl Alcohol, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Olive Fruit Oil, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Jojoba) Seed Oil, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed, Camphor, Capryloyl Glycine, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Maltodextrin, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Sodium PCA, Triethyl Citrate, Undecylenoyl Glycine, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Myristics Acid.

This is a 2% Zinc-Pyrithione based shampoo and is specially formulated to treat conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Pros:

• It contains 2% of Zinc-Pyrithione which is more than enough to combat dandruff, itchiness, and redness.

• It reduces inflammation and irritation.

• It is PABA-free.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Zinc Pyrithione 2%, 

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Purified Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, PEG-8 Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Fragrance, Citric Acid.

Bay shampoos are very gentle and you can use this every day, on alternative days, or on days when you don’t use strong shampoos.

These are some shampoos you can try out:

• Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Baby Shampoo
• Pipette – Baby Shampoo + Wash
• Cerave – Baby Wash & Shampoo

We recommend going with Neutrogena – T/Sal Shampoo as many people with ichthyosis vulgaris have used it and had positive experiences with it.

Other options include Nizoral, Selsun Blue, and DHS shampoo. All of them are strong and really good.

The Liperol Shampoo Oil and Jason Anti-Dandruff Shampoo are also good options as they not only remove dandruff but also moisturize the scalp.